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Abstract:

Various operations may be performed based on a distance-related function
associated with two or more devices. For example, an association
procedure for two or more devices may be based on one or more determined
distances. Similarly, presence management may be based on one or more
determined distances. A distance-related function may take various form
including, for example, a distance between devices, two or more distances
between devices, a rate of change in a relative distance between devices,
relative acceleration between devices, or some combination of two or more
of the these distance-related functions.

Claims:

1. A method of associating a mobile device with a medical device,
comprising: actuating a first input device of the medical device;
transmitting at least one signal by the medical device to the mobile
device; actuating a second input device of the mobile device at
substantially the same time as, or within a defined time interval after
or before, the actuation of the first input device of the medical device;
determining, by the mobile device, a plurality of indications related to
signal strengths of the at least one signal transmitted by the medical
device; and performing an association procedure between the mobile device
and the medical device based on the plurality of indications.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing an authentication
procedure between the mobile device and the medical device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the authentication procedure comprises
receiving, by the mobile device, credential information associated with
the medical device, wherein performing the authentication procedure
between the mobile device and the medical device is further based on the
credential information.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the authentication procedure comprises
receiving, by the mobile device, biometric information associated with
the medical device, wherein performing the authentication procedure
between the mobile device and the medical device is further based on the
biometric information.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the association procedure comprises
establishing application-level communication between the mobile device
and the medical device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the medical device is configured to
monitor a heart rate of a user.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the medical device is configured to
generate electrocardiogram (EKG) information associated with a user.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first input device of the medical
device comprises a switch.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second input device of the mobile
device comprises a switch.

12. A communication system, comprising: a medical device, comprising: a
first input device; and a transmitter configured to transmit at least one
signal in response to an actuation of the first input device; and a
mobile device, comprising: a second input device configured to be
actuated at substantially the same time as, or within a defined time
interval after or before, the actuation of the first input device of the
medical device; an indication generator configured to generate a
plurality of indications related to signal strengths of the at least one
signal transmitted by the medical device; and an association processor
configured to perform an association procedure of the mobile device with
the medical device based on the plurality of indications.

13. The communication system of claim 12, further comprising an
authentication processor configured to perform an authentication
procedure between the mobile device and the medical device.

14. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the authentication
processor is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at
least receiving credential information associated with the medical
device, wherein performing the authentication procedure between the
mobile device and the medical device is further based on the credential
information.

15. The communication system of claim 13, wherein the authentication
processor is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at
least receiving biometric information associated with the medical device,
wherein performing the authentication procedure between the mobile device
and the medical device is further based on the biometric information.

16. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the association
processor is further configured to perform the association procedure by
at least establishing application-level communication between the mobile
device and the medical device.

18. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the medical device
comprises a biometric sensor.

19. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the medical device
comprises a sensor for monitoring a heart rate of a user.

20. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the medical device
comprises a sensor configured to generate electrocardiogram (EKG)
information associated with a user.

21. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the first input device
of the medical device comprises a switch.

22. The communication system of claim 12, wherein the second input device
of the mobile device comprises a switch.

23. A communication system for associating a mobile device with a medical
device, comprising: first means for receiving an input from a user of the
medical device; means for transmitting at least one signal from the
medical device to the mobile device; second means for receiving an input
from a user of the mobile device at substantially the same time as, or
within a defined time interval after or before, the reception of the
input by the first input receiving means of the medical device; means for
determining a plurality of indications related to signal strengths of the
at least one signal transmitted by the transmitting means; and means for
associating the mobile device with the medical device based on the
plurality of indications.

24. The communication system of claim 23, further comprising means for
authenticating the medical device by the mobile device.

25. The communication system of claim 24, wherein the means for
authenticating comprises means for receiving credential information
associated with the medical device, the authentication of the medical
device being based on the credential information.

26. The communication system of claim 24, wherein the means for
authenticating comprises means for receiving biometric information
associated with the medical device, the authentication of the medical
device being based on the biometric information.

27. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the means for
associating comprises means for establishing application-level
communication between the mobile device and the medical device.

29. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the medical device
comprises means for sensing at least one biometric parameter of a user.

30. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the medical device
comprises means for monitoring a heart rate of a user.

31. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the medical device
comprises means for generating electrocardiogram (EKG) information
associated with a user.

32. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the first input
receiving means of the medical device comprises a switch.

33. The communication system of claim 23, wherein the second input
receiving means of the mobile device comprises a switch.

34. A mobile device, comprising: an input device; a receiver configured
to receive at least one signal from a medical device at substantially the
same time as, or within a defined time interval after, an actuation of
the input device; an indication generator configured to generate a
plurality of indications related to signal strengths of the at least one
signal received from the medical device; and an association processor
configured to associate the mobile device with the medical device based
on the plurality of indications.

35. The mobile device of claim 34, further comprising an authentication
processor configured to perform an authentication procedure with the
medical device.

36. The mobile device of claim 35, wherein the authentication processor
is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at least
receiving credential information from the medical device by way of the
receiver.

37. The mobile device of claim 35, wherein the authentication processor
is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at least
receiving biometric information from the medical device by way of the
receiver.

38. The mobile device of claim 34, wherein the association processor is
configured to establish application-level communication between the
mobile device and the medical device.

43. A medical device, comprising: an input device; a transmitter
configured to transmit at least one signal to a mobile device in response
to an actuation of the input device; a receiver configured to receive at
least one other signal from the mobile device at substantially the same
time as, or within a defined time interval after, the actuation of the
input device; and an association processor configured to perform an
association procedure to associate the medical device with the mobile
device based on the at least one other signal from the mobile device.

44. The medical device of claim 43, further comprising an authentication
processor configured to perform an authentication procedure with the
mobile device.

45. The medical device of claim 44, wherein the authentication processor
is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at least
transmitting credential information to the mobile device by way of the
transmitter.

46. The medical device of claim 44, wherein the authentication processor
is configured to perform the authentication procedure by at least
transmitting biometric information to the mobile device by way of the
transmitter.

47. The medical device of claim 43, wherein the association processor is
configured to establish application-level communication between the
mobile device and the medical device.

49. The medical device of claim 43, further comprising a biometric sensor
configured to generate biometric information associated with a user,
wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the biometric
information to the mobile device.

50. The medical device of claim 43, further comprising a heart rate
sensor configured to generate hear rate information associated with a
user, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the heart rate
information to the mobile device.

51. The medical device of claim 43, further comprising an
electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor configured to generate EKG information
associated with a user, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit
the EKG information to the mobile device.

Description:

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119

[0001] This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.
11/692,100, filed on Mar. 27, 2007, which, in turn, claims the benefit of
and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/792,035, filed
Apr. 14, 2006, both of which are incorporated by reference herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0002] This application is related to patent application filed
concurrently herewith, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSOCIATING
DEVICES BASED ON BIOMETRIC INFORMATION," with docket number 051012C2, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application
is also related to patent application Ser. No. 11/692,097, entitled
"DISTANCE-BASED PRESENCE MANAGEMENT," the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Field

[0004] This application relates generally to wireless communication, and
more specifically, to distance-based functionality in a wireless
communication system.

[0005] 2. Background

[0006] In a wireless communication system various provisions may be made
to enable two or more wireless devices to communicate with one another
and, in some applications, to enable one wireless device to access
functionality provided by another wireless device. For example, when a
wireless device enters a coverage area of another wireless device, the
wireless devices may perform an association operation to enable the two
devices to communicate with one another. In addition, other related
operations such as presence management may be performed to enable a
wireless device to affect the operation of another wireless device.

[0007] Examples of association include setting up a wireless laptop and an
wireless access point to communicate or setting up communication between
a wireless cell phone or entertainment device (e.g., an MP3 player) and a
peripheral device such as a wireless headset (e.g., headphones, an ear
piece, etc.) or watch. Briefly, association may involve exchanging
messages that enable the wireless devices to determine whether they are
capable of communicating with one another and whether they are authorized
to do so. For example, the wireless devices may exchange messages that
indicate their respective capabilities. In conjunction with this
procedure, the wireless devices may negotiate or cooperate in some other
manner to agree on a set of parameters to be used for communicating.
Moreover, in some applications the wireless devices may utilize an
authentication procedure of some type to verify the identity of each
other. This identity information may be used by the wireless devices to,
for example, determine whether they are authorized to communicate with
one another.

[0008] Various operations may be performed to enable or otherwise
facilitate association. For example, some applications may employ signal
strength-based association where it is assumed that the wireless devices
are close enough to associate if a received signal strength exceeds a
threshold. Other applications may employ RFID-related technology whereby
wireless devices are allowed to associate with another if they are close
enough so that one device induces RF energy in another device.

[0009] In some applications a wireless device may employ presence
management to provide certain functionality based on the proximity of the
wireless device to another device. For example, in some applications
presence management may be employed to modify a user interface of a
computer based on which user is sitting in front of the computer.
Presence management also may be used to modify the characteristics of a
room (e.g., lighting, temperature, music, etc) based on who is in the
room.

[0010] In practice, an operation such as association or presence
management may involve some user interaction with the wireless device to
initiate or complete the operation. For example, during association a
user may manually set each wireless device into an association or
discovery mode, navigate through some software interfaces to a list of
discovered wireless devices, select a wireless device, and potentially
input some information about the wireless device. In a typical example,
information to be entered by a user may include authentication codes or
multiple access code information. Similarly, during presence management a
user may press a configuration button (e.g., associated with a car seat,
a home theater system, etc.), type in a username and password, insert a
card, or invoke wireless detection of the presence of a device.

[0011] In practice, operations such as association and presence management
may not provide a desired level of functionality or may be inconvenient
for a user. For example, presence management may be relatively course in
nature in that it simply involves determine whether a connection with
another wireless device may be detected. In addition, the steps performed
by a user to accomplish association, presence management, or other
operations (e.g., as mentioned above) may be relatively complicated and
confusing for the user. Consequently, a need exists for alternative
methods for performing such operations.

SUMMARY

[0012] A summary of sample aspects of the disclosure follows. For
convenience, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be referred to
herein simply as "some aspects."

[0013] This application relates in some aspects to performing an act based
on at least one distance between devices. For example, one of various
techniques may be employed to determine a distance-related function such
as distance or relative motion between two devices. A determination may
then be made as to whether the determined distance function meets
specified criteria. If so, a corresponding action may then be taken.

[0014] In some aspects association between two or more devices may be
based on one or more determined distances. For example, an association
procedure may be initiated or facilitated in some manner by determining
whether the devices are within a given range of one another and/or are
moved with respect to one another in a certain manner.

[0015] Distance-based association may be employed in a variety of use
cases. For example, in a personal or body area network a large number of
different piconets may be owned and managed by different entities (e.g.,
people or networked devices). Moreover, these piconets may have different
associated power level requirements and data rates that overlap. Through
the use of distance-based association, a new device entering the network
may be efficiently associated with a desired piconet or other device in
the network. For example, devices may be associated with one another if
they are within one foot of each other. Similarly, if several devices are
close to one another, the closest devices (e.g., the two closest devices)
of these devices may be associated with one another. In addition,
distance-based association may be employed to provide secure
communication, such as in a point-of-sale application where the relative
proximity of two devices is used to ensure that the two devices are
authorized to conduct a transaction.

[0016] In some aspects presence management may be based on one or more
determined distances. Here, various presence management operations may be
invoked if it is determined that two or more devices are within a given
range of one another and/or are moved with respect to one another in a
certain manner. As an example, distance-based presence management may
enable a user in possession of a presence management-enabled device to be
presented with different presence management responses as the user moves
closer to or further away from another presence management-enabled
device. Similarly, distance-based presence management may enable a user
that is walking through a room to be presented with a different presence
management response as opposed to when the same user stops in the room or
when the user remain seated in the room.

[0017] A distance-related function as taught herein may take various
forms. For example, such a function may relate to a distance between
devices, two or more distances between devices if the devices are moved
with respect to one another, a rate of change in the relative distance
between devices, relative acceleration between devices, some other
distance-related function, or some combination of two or more of the
these distance-related functions.

[0018] A distance-related function as taught herein may be implemented in
various ways. For example, a distance may be measured by determining the
amount of time it takes for signals to travel from one device to another
device and then back (e.g., a round-trip time). Such a round-trip time
may be calculated, for example, using two-way ranging or by sending
interrogation and response signals between the devices. A distance also
may be determined using a time-of-arrival measurement or a received power
measurement. A rate of change in relative distance may be determined
through the use of, for example, a time-of-arrival measurement, a
received power measurement, acceleration readings, imaging techniques,
detection of changes in electrical and magnetic fields, or detection of
Doppler shifts. Relative acceleration between devices may be determined
from the rate of change in relative distance data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure
will be more fully understood when considered with respect to the
following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying
drawings, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of several sample aspects of a
communication system adapted to perform distance-based operations;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of several sample aspects of operations that
may be performed by a device to perform distance-based operations;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of several sample aspects of operations that
may be performed by a device to perform distance-based operations;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of several sample aspects of operations that
may be performed by devices to determine at least one distance;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of several sample aspects of a
wireless device adapted to perform distance-based operations;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of several sample aspects of
communication components; and

[0026] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of several sample aspects of a
device adapted to perform distance-based operations.

[0027] In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated
in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of
the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus,
the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus
(e.g., device) or method. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to
denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various aspects of the disclosure are described below. It should be
apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of
forms and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed
herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein one
skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may
be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of
these aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, an apparatus
may be implemented or a method may be practiced using any number of the
aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be
implemented or such a method may be practiced using other structure,
functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other
than one or more of the aspects set forth herein. As an example, in some
aspects a distance-related function as taught herein may relate to a one
distance, while in other aspects a distance-related function may relate
to a distance and a rate of change of distance.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates certain aspects of a communication system 100
where a first device 102 may communicate with a second device 104 via a
wireless communication link 106. As an example, the device 102 may enter
a wireless coverage area of the device 104 and various provisions may
then be taken as discussed below to enable the devices 102 and 104 to
communicate. In particular, the devices 102 and 104 include functionality
whereby operations such as association and presence management are
initiated, terminated, or performed in accordance with one or more
distance relationships between the devices 102 and 104.

[0030] The devices 102 and 104 in the example of FIG. 1 are depicted in a
simplified manner to emphasize certain components that may provide
functionality relating to distance determination and associated
processing. Specifically, the device 102 is depicted to emphasize
components that may be employed in a device that ultimately determines
one or more distances between the devices 102 and 104 and performs one or
more operations based on that determination. Conversely, the device 104
is depicted to emphasize components that may be employed in a device that
may perform operations in conjunction with the distance determining
device. As will be discussed in more detail below, the device 104 may
include functionality that facilitates the distance determination by the
device 102 and may also perform one or more operations based on that
determination. It should be appreciated that a given device may
incorporate the functionality depicted for device 102, the functionality
depicted for device 104, or some combination thereof

[0031] The device 102 includes a distance function determiner component
(hereafter, distance determiner 108) that is adapted to perform various
functions relating to determining one or more distance-related
parameters. For example, the distance determiner 108 may determine an
absolute distance between the devices 102 and 104, two or more distances
between the devices 102 and 104 (e.g., in the event the devices 102 and
104 are moved with respect to one another), a rate of change in the
relative distance between the devices 102 and 104, relative acceleration
between the devices 102 and 104, or some other distance-related function.
As will be discussed in more detail below, the distance determiner 108
may thus include appropriate components or may cooperate with one or more
other components (e.g., a radio 110) to repeatedly determine the distance
between the devices 102 and 104.

[0032] The device 102 also includes an indication generator 112 that is
adapted to generate an indication relating to the determined distance
parameter(s). For example, the indication generator 112 may generate an
indication of the determined absolute distance(s), rate of change in
relative distance, relative acceleration, etc. In addition, the
indication generator 112 may include a comparator 114 that compares a
determined distance with a distance comparison parameter 116 (e.g., a
threshold) that may be maintained in the device 102 (e.g., in a data
memory). The indication generator 112 may then generate a comparison
result indication in accordance with the comparison. As an example, the
comparison result indication may indicate that a determined distance is
less than a threshold.

[0033] The device 102 includes a processor component 118 that is adapted
to perform various functions based on at least one determined distance.
For example, the processor component 118 may invoke one or more
operations depending on the value of the indication. In addition, or in
the alternative, the operations performed by the processing component may
utilize the indication in some manner.

[0034] In the example of FIG. 1 the processor component 118 provides
functionality relating to association (e.g., including authentication)
and presence management. For example, an association procedure, an
authentication procedure, or both, may be invoked or may be dependent on
a given distance-related relationship between the devices 102 and 104.
Similarly, a presence management procedure may be invoked or may be
dependent upon a given distance-related relationship between the devices
102 and 104. To provide such functionality, the processor component 118
may include an association processor component 120, an authentication
processor component 122, and a presence management processor component
124.

[0035] The device 104 may include several components that operate in
conjunction with corresponding components of device 102. For example, the
device 104 may include a radio 126 adapted to communicate via one or more
wireless communication links (e.g., the link 106) with one or more
wireless devices (e.g., the radio 110 of the device 102). The device 104
also may include a processor component 128 that provides functionality
that is complementary to the functionality of the processor component
118. Accordingly, the processor component 128 may include an association
processor 130, an authentication processor 132, and a presence management
processor 134. The device 104 also may include a distance function
component 136 for performing one or more distance-related functions in
conjunction with the distance determiner 108. Also, the device 104 may
include an indication generator 138 that may generate, for example,
distance-related indications used by the device 104 or the device 102.

[0036] The devices 102 and 104 may take various forms. For example, in
some aspects the devices 102 and 104 may comprises various combinations
of a headset, a microphone, a medical device, a biometric sensor, a heart
rate monitor, a pedometer, an EKG device, a user I/O device, a watch, a
remote control, a switch, a tire pressure monitor, an entertainment
device, a computer, a point-of-sale device, a hearing aid, a set-top box,
a cell phone, or some other device with some form of wireless signaling
capabilities. In some aspects the device 104 may comprises an access
device (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point) for a communication system. For
example, the device 104 may provide connectivity to another network
(e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet) via a wired or wireless
communication link. Accordingly, the device 104 may enable the device 102
(e.g., a Wi-Fi station) to access the other network. In addition, it
should be appreciated that one or both of the devices 102 and 104 may be
portable or, in some cases, relatively non-portable.

[0037] The devices 102 and 104 may include various components that perform
functions bases on signals transmitted or received via the wireless
communication link. For example, a headset may include a transducer
adapted to provide an audible output based on a signal received via the
wireless communication link. A watch may include a display adapted to
provide a visual output based on a signal received via the wireless
communication link. A medical device may include a sensor adapted to
generate sensed signals to be transmitted via the wireless communication
link.

[0038] The devices 102 and 104 may support or otherwise use various
wireless communication links and wireless network topologies. For
example, in some aspects the devices 102 and 104 may comprise or form
part of a body area network or a personal area network (e.g., an
ultra-wideband network). In addition, in some aspects the devices 102 and
104 may comprise or form part of a local area network or a wide area
network. The devices 102 and 104 also may support or otherwise use one or
more of a variety of wireless communication protocols or standards
including, for example, CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and other
wireless technologies. Accordingly, the devices 102 and 104 may include
appropriate components to establish one or more communication links using
various wireless technologies.

[0039] Sample operations of the system 100 will now be discussed in more
detail in conjunction with the flowcharts of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG. 2
relates to operations that may be performed, for example, by the device
102. FIG. 3 relates to operations that may be performed, for example, by
the device 104. FIG. 4 relates to operations that may be performed to
determine one or more distances between the devices 102 and 104. For
convenience, the operations of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 (or any other operations
discussed herein) may be described as being performed by specific
components (e.g., devices 102 and 104). It should be appreciated,
however, that these operations may be performed in conjunction with
and/or by other components and, in some cases, using a different number
of components. It also should be appreciated that one or more of the
operations described herein may not be employed in a given
implementation.

[0040] Referring initially to FIG. 2, as represented by block 202 a first
device such as device 102 commences distance-based operations (e.g.,
enables a ranging mode) in conjunction with establishing communication
with a second device such as device 104. Here, the device 102 may
determine whether it has entered a wireless coverage area associated with
the device 104. These operations may be initiated automatically or may be
initiated based an action by a user who wishes to associate the device
102 with the device 104. In the former case, a discovery mode may be
continually enabled such that the device 102 may repeatedly scan to
determine whether it has entered a coverage area of a wireless network
(e.g., a body area network or personal area network) or a coverage area
of some other wireless device. In the latter case, the user may utilize
(e.g., actuate) an input device of the device 102 to initiate a discovery
mode that causes the device 102 (e.g., the radio 110) to commence
scanning for nearby wireless networks or wireless devices. In conjunction
with the operations of block 202, the user may bring the device 102
within a certain range of the device 104.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, the device 104 also may perform operations
that are similar and/or complementary to the operations of block 202. For
convenience, the sample operations of FIG. 3 are depicted from the
perspective of a first device. In other words, in the context of FIG. 3
the first device may comprise the device 104 and the second device may
comprise the device 102 (in contrast with the corresponding relationships
described above in conjunction with FIG. 2).

[0042] As represented by block 302, the device 104 also may commence
distance-based operations by, for example, attempting to discover nearby
wireless devices. As discussed above, this may be initiated automatically
or in response to some action by the user (e.g., utilizing an input
device of the device 104). In addition, or in the alternative, the device
104 may commence a discovery procedure in response to a signal received
from the device 102. It should be appreciated that other techniques may
be employed to commence discovery or some other similar procedure for
initiating communication between devices such as devices 102 and 104.

[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, as represented by block 204 the device
102 (e.g., the distance determiner 108) determines at least one distance
between the devices 102 and 104. To this end, the device 102 may receive
and process one or more signals from the device 104. In addition, the
device 102 may generate various signals and transmit the signals to the
device 104. As represented by blocks 206 and 208, the device 102 (e.g.,
the indication generator 112) may generate one or more indications
corresponding to the one or more determined distances. The operations of
blocks 204-208 may be invoked in conjunction with invoking the operations
of block 202. Thus, these operations may be invoked automatically or in
response to some action on the part of a user of the device 102.

[0044] As represented by block 304 of FIG. 3, the device 104 may perform
operations that are similar and/or complementary to the operations of
blocks 204-208. For example, the device 104 (e.g., the indication
generator 138) may generate an indication relating to the at least one
distance between the device 104 and the device 102. To this end, the
device 104 (e.g., the distance function component 136) may perform one or
more operations relating to determining the distance between the devices
104 and 102. For example, the distance function component 136 may process
one or more signals received from the device 102 relating to a distance
determination operation. The component 136 may then generate one or more
responsive signals and transmit the signals back to the device 102.

[0045] One or more of various techniques may be employed to determine a
distance between the devices 102 and 104. For example, in some
implementations distance may be measured using time-of-arrival
measurements, round-trip time measurements, signal strength measurements,
Doppler shift measurements, or some other suitable technique. Several
examples of techniques for measuring distance will be discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 4, commencing at block 402.

[0046] As represented by block 404, in some implementations a device such
as the device 102 that initiates the distance measurement operations
sends one or more signals to a responsive device such as device 104. For
example, the initiating device may send a message to a responding device
instructing the other device to send one or more signals back to the
initiating device. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1 the distance determiner
108 of the device 102 may cooperate with a transmitter of the radio 110
to transmit appropriate signals to the device 104.

[0047] As represented by block 406, the responding device may process the
received signals and generate responsive signals (e.g., forming a
message). In FIG. 1 the distance function component 136 may cooperate
with a receiver of the radio 126 to receive the signals from the device
102.

[0048] As represented by block 408, the responsive signals are then
transmitted from the responding device to the initiating device. In FIG.
1 the distance function component 136 and the indication generator 138
may thus cooperate with the radio 126 (e.g., the transmitter) to transmit
the signals to the device 102.

[0049] As represented by block 410, the initiating device processes the
received responsive signals, as necessary, to determine a distance
between the initiating and responding devices. In FIG. 1 the distance
function component 108 may again cooperate with the radio 126 (e.g. the
receiver) to receive the signals from the device 104.

[0050] Block 412 represents that the above operations may be repeated if
there is another distance measure to be taken. Here, it should be
appreciated that multiple distance determinations may be made
concurrently, in a sequential manner, or in some other manner.

[0051] Sample operations of blocks 404 through 410 will now be discussed
in more detail in conjunction with specific examples relating to
time-of-arrival measurements, round-trip time measurements and signal
strength measurements. It should be appreciated that these are but a few
of the measurement techniques that may be employed and that the teachings
herein may be used in conjunction with other measurement techniques.

[0052] In some implementations utilizing time-of-arrival to determine
distance the initiating device may measure the times-of-arrival of
signals received from the responding device. For example, at block 404
the initiating device (e.g., the distance determiner 108) may request
that the responding device transmit several signals to be used for
time-of-arrival measurements. At blocks 406 and 408, the responding
device may then generate appropriate signals and transmit them to the
initiating device. For example, the distance function component 136 and
the indication generator 138 may cause the radio 126 to transmit
appropriate signals to the radio 110. Then, at block 410 the initiating
device (e.g., the distance determiner 108) may perform time-of-arrival
measurements and, based on these measurements, determine the distance
between the initiating device and the responding device.

[0053] In some implementations the responding device may determine the
distance between the devices by performing time-of-arrival measurement
operations on signals received from the initiating device. In this case,
at block 404 the initiating device (e.g., the distance determiner 108 in
conjunction with a transmitter of the radio 110) may transmit signals to
be used for the time-of-arrival measurements to the responding device. At
block 406 the responding device (e.g., the distance function component
136) may perform time-of-arrival measurements and, in some cases,
determine the distance between the responding device and the initiating
device based on these measurements. In this case, the indication
generator 138 may generate an indication relating to the derived
distance-related information. At block 408 the responding device (e.g.,
the indication generator 138) may send the results of the time-of-arrival
measurements or the determined distance to the initiating device. At
block 410 the initiating device (e.g., the distance determiner 108) may
process the received information to provide a determined distance between
the devices 102 and 104 for subsequent operations.

[0054] In some implementations utilizing round-trip time measurements the
initiating device (device 102) may transmit a message to the responding
device at a given time (block 404). At block 406 the distance function
component 136 may determine the amount of time between receipt of the
request signal by the device 104 and the transmission of a responsive
signal by the device 104 (i.e., a turnaround time). Alternatively, in
cooperation with the radio 126, the distance function component 136 may
ensure that a response signal is transmitted within a defined a
turnaround time. The device 104 may thus generate a responsive message
(e.g., including an indication of the turnaround time as generated, in
some cases, by the indication generator 138) and transmit the message to
the device 102 (block 408). At block 410 the device 102 may process the
received responsive signal to calculate the round-trip time and, in turn,
a distance between the devices 102 and 104. To this end, the distance
determiner 108 may determine (e.g., in cooperation with the radio 110)
the point in time at which the responsive message was received at the
device 102. The distance determiner 108 may then determine the round-trip
time from the time elapsed between the transmission of the signal at
block 404 to the reception of the responsive signal at block 410,
excluding the turnaround time of the device 104 supplied with the
responsive message.

[0055] In some implementations utilizing received signal strength to
determine distance the initiating device may measure the signal strength
of signals received from the responding device. For example, at block 404
the initiating device (device 102) may transmit a message to the
responding device requesting that the responding device transmit a signal
at a known signal strength (e.g., a constant energy level). At block 406,
in response to the received signal the responding device (e.g., the
distance function component 136 in cooperation with indication generator
138) may cause the radio 126 to transmit an appropriate signal or signals
to the device 102 (block 408). At block 410, the distance determiner 108
may then calculate the distance between the devices 102 and 104 based on
the strength of the corresponding signal(s) received by the radio 110.

[0056] In some implementations utilizing received signal strength to
determine distance the responding device may measure the signal strength
of signals received from the initiating device. In the example of FIG. 1
the device 104 may receive one or more signals having a known signal
strength from the device 102 at block 404. In this case, at block 406 the
distance function component 136 may calculate the distance between the
devices 104 and 102 based on the strength of the signal(s) received by
the radio 126. At block 408, the indication generator 138 may send an
indication relating to the derived distance information back to the
device 102. At block 410 the initiating device (e.g., the distance
determiner 108) may then process the received information to provide a
determined distance between the devices 102 and 104 for subsequent
operations.

[0057] Referring again to block 206 of FIG. 2, the device 102 (e.g., the
indication generator 112) generates an indication relating to the at
least one determined distance generated at block 204. As discussed above,
the distance determination and indication generation operations may
involve determining one or more distance-related parameters including,
for example, a distance between the devices 102 and 104, two or more
distances between the devices 102 and 104, a rate of change in the
relative distance between the devices 102 and 104, and relative
acceleration between the devices 102 and 104. Here, a rate of change in
distance (e.g., relative velocity) between the devices 102 and 104 may be
determined, for example, by determining a distance between the devices at
one point in time, determining a distance between the devices at one or
more other points in time, and calculating the change(s) in distance over
the associated time period(s). Similar information may be utilized to
determine relative acceleration between the devices 102 and 104 using
known techniques such as taking a derivative of the rate of change
information. It should be appreciated that an indication relating to at
least one distance may take a form other than those explicitly mentioned
herein.

[0058] In some aspects the indication may simply specify a single
determined distance between the devices 102 and 104. As will be discussed
in more detail below, this form of indication may be compared with one or
more threshold distances to determine whether the devices 102 and 104 are
separated by a distance that is deemed acceptable for performing some
function.

[0059] An indication also may specify several determined distances between
the devices 102 and 104. For example, the distance between the devices
102 and 104 may be checked at various times. Such an operation may be
performed in conjunction with different types of distance determination
scenarios.

[0060] For example, in some aspects a distance between devices may be
checked more than once to provide a more accurate distance reading. Here,
clearly erroneous readings may be discarded. In addition, in some cases
an average determined distance may be calculated or a mean determined
distance and a standard deviation may be calculated. Accordingly, in this
scenario the indication may comprise several similar determined
distances, a determined distance along with a standard deviation of the
determined distances, a range of the determined distances, or some other
similar information.

[0061] In some aspects multiple distance readings may be employed in a
scenario where performance of an operation is predicated on the devices
102 and 104 being moved in a defined pattern with respect to one another.
For example, the devices 102 and 104 may initially be placed a first
distance apart, then placed a second distance apart, and so forth.
Accordingly, in this scenario the indication may comprise a pattern of
several determined distances.

[0062] In some aspects multiple distance readings may be employed to
determine a rate of change in relative distance between the devices 102
and 104. For example, a first distance between the devices may be
determined at a first point in time and a second distance between the
devices determined at a second point in time. A rate of change in
distance may then be determined, for example, by calculating the ratio of
the change in distance (e.g., first distance minus second distance) to
the elapsed time (e.g. second point in time minus first point in time).
Thus, in this scenario the indication may comprise the determined rate of
change in relative distance (e.g., an indication of relative velocity).

[0063] In some aspects multiple readings of the rate of change in relative
distance may be employed. For example, performance of an operation may be
predicated on the rate of change in distance (e.g., relative velocity)
between the devices 102 and 104 being changed in a defined pattern. Here,
the devices 102 and 104 may be moved with respect one another at
different velocities over different time periods. In this scenario the
indication may comprise a plurality of different rates of change in
relative distance.

[0064] Similarly, multiple readings of the rate of change in relative
distance may be utilized to obtain a profile of the relative acceleration
between the devices 102 and 104. For example, acceleration information
may be obtained by taking the derivative of relative velocity information
collected over a period of time. Thus, in this scenario the indication
may comprise the determined relative acceleration at a given point in
time.

[0065] In a similar manner as discussed above, multiple acceleration
readings may be employed where the performance of an operation is
predicated on the relative acceleration between the devices 102 and 104
being changed in a defined pattern. Thus, in this scenario the indication
may comprise an acceleration profile defining a plurality of relative
accelerations.

[0066] In some aspects a device may determine several types of
distance-related parameters. For example, the device 102 may determine an
absolute distance between the devices 102 and 104 and may determine a
rate of change in relative distance between the devices 102 and 104.
Here, it should be appreciated that in some aspects different distance
measurement techniques may be employed to measure these different types
of distance-related parameters. For example, a given measurement
technique may determine a certain type of distance measurement more
effectively than other measurement techniques.

[0067] As represented by block 208, the indication generated at block 206
is compared with one or more distance comparison parameters 116 (FIG. 1).
The nature of the comparison operation depends on the particular form of
the indication.

[0068] For example, if an indication relating to a single distance was
generated at block 206, this form of indication may be compared with one
or more distance thresholds 144 to determine whether the devices 102 and
104 are separated by a distance that is within a range of distances
deemed acceptable for performing some function. For example, initiation
of a function may be predicated on the devices being less than or more
than a certain distance apart (e.g., 1 meter, 3 meters, etc.).
Alternatively, initiation of a function may be predicated on the devices
being separated by a distance that falls within a range defined by two
distance thresholds 144.

[0069] In some aspects more than one level of functionality may be defined
whereby different levels of functionality are employed based on different
distances between the devices 102 and 104. Here, one type of
functionality may be employed in the event the determined distance falls
within one range (e.g., the devices 102 and 104 are relatively close to
one another) while another type of functionality may be employed in the
event the determined distance falls within another range (e.g., the
devices 102 and 104 are further apart from one another). In this case,
the determined distance may be compared to one, two, or more distance
thresholds 144.

[0070] As noted above, if several indications relating to several
distances were generated at block 206, these indications may be compared
with one or more distance thresholds 144. In some implementations the
distance thresholds 144 may relate to a pattern of distances where the
distance between devices is to be changed between various distances in a
defined pattern 148. In practice, a tolerance may be associated with each
distance threshold of the pattern 148 to account for relatively minor
deviations between the determined distances and the defined pattern 148.

[0071] If an indication relating to a rate of change in relative distance
was generated at block 206, this indication may be compared with a
defined rate of change 146. The defined rate of change 146 may comprise,
for example, an upper threshold for the rate of change, a lower threshold
for the rate of change, a range of rates of change, or a defined pattern
148 of rates of change. As an example of the latter scenario, the ranging
criteria may specify that the rate of change between devices is to be
changed between various rates of change in a defined pattern 148. Again,
a tolerance may be associated with each defined rate of change in the
defined a pattern 148 to account for relatively minor deviations between
the determined rates of change and the defined pattern 148.

[0072] If an indication relating to relative acceleration was generated at
block 206, this indication may be compared with a defined acceleration
profile 150. The defined acceleration profile 150 may comprise, for
example, an upper threshold for acceleration, a lower threshold for the
acceleration, a range of accelerations, or a pattern of accelerations. As
an example of the latter scenario, the ranging criteria may specify that
the relative acceleration between devices is to be changed between
accelerations according to a defined acceleration profile 150 (e.g., in a
known pattern). Similar to the above scenarios, a range of tolerance may
be associated with the accelerations of the defined acceleration profile
150 to account for relatively minor deviations between the determined
accelerations and the defined acceleration profile 150.

[0073] It should be appreciated that the comparisons of block 208 may be
implemented in various ways. For example, the determined distance may
simply be subtracted from a distance comparison parameter. In addition,
in some implementation multiple comparisons may be made. Such an approach
may be used, for example, when the distance is repeatedly checked for a
period of time, when several measurements are made to reduce transient
conditions, to perform operations relating to a rate of change in
relative distance or to relative acceleration, or when a combination of
two or more types of determined distances are employed. As an example of
the latter scenario, as will be discussed in more detail below an
operation may be invoked or modified based on the rate of change in
relative distance between devices as well as the absolute distance
between the devices.

[0074] In conjunction with the operations of block 208, the indication
generator 112 may generate a comparison result indication that is
indicative of the results of the comparison or some other similar
operation. For example, such an indication may indicate that a device did
or did not meet the desired criteria for performing a distance-based
operation.

[0075] As represented by block 209, the device 102 may then take
appropriate action based on the results of the comparison. For example,
if the comparison result indication indicates that distance criteria have
(or a distance criterion has) been met, the device 102 may invoke or
terminate a given function or alter the operation of a function in some
manner. If the comparison of block 208 is not successful, the operations
of FIG. 2 may terminate, and then be invoked at some other point in time.

[0076] As represented by block 210, in some implementations distance-based
criteria may be used as a prerequisite for commencing association-related
operations. For example, if the distance between the devices 102 and 104
is less than a threshold value and/or if the devices 102 and 104 are
moved in a proper manner with respect to one another, the device 102 may
commence an association procedure with device 104. In addition, as
represented by blocks 305 and 306 of FIG. 3, the device 104 may perform
operations that are similar and/or complementary to the operations of
blocks 209 and 210. Thus, if an association operation is allowed (e.g.,
based on receipt of a message from the device 102 indicating a successful
comparison at block 208), the device 104 may commence association
operations in cooperation with the device 102. In some aspects
association may be automatically invoked if the devices are within a
given distance of one another and/or are moved in a certain manner with
respect to one another.

[0077] Although block 210 follows blocks 204 through 208 in the example of
FIG. 2, these operations are not necessarily performed in the illustrated
order. For example, in some implementations the distance determining
operations may be performed after the commencement of an association
procedure. Thus, one or more distance-related functions as taught herein
may be invoked as part of an association procedure. In addition, in some
implementations distance determining operations may serve as both a
prerequisite to an association procedure and form a part of an
association procedure.

[0078] In some aspects an association procedure may involve pairing the
devices 102 and 104 to enable certain types of communication between the
devices 102 and 104. For example, the association procedure may involve
establishing application-level communication among the devices 102 and
104.

[0079] A variety of operations may be performed in conjunction with an
association procedure or in conjunction with some other distance-based
operation. For example, blocks 212 and 214 in FIG. 2 and blocks 308 and
310 in FIG. 3 illustrate several procedures that may optionally be
invoked in conjunction with the association procedures of blocks 210 and
306, respectively.

[0080] As represented by block 212, in some applications an association
procedure (e.g., a pairing process) may employ a human synchronization
test. For example, such a test may be based on a human synchronization
ability whereby a given person may easily actuate two switches
substantially simultaneously, yet it may be very difficult for an
onlooker to anticipate the right time to actuate a switch at
substantially the same time as another person. Accordingly, the
operations of block 212 may involve instructing the user (e.g., via a
visual command on a display, via a specific configuration of lighting
elements such as LEDs, or via an audio command) to simultaneously
activate input devices (e.g., actuate switches) on the devices 102 and
104. The association procedure may thus involve determining whether a
switch on the device 102 is actuated (e.g., depressed and/or released) at
substantially the same time as a switch on the device 104 is actuated. As
represented by block 308 of FIG. 3, the device 104 may perform operations
that are similar and/or complementary to the operations of block 212. As
will be discussed in more detail below, a variety of user input devices
(e.g., other than switches) may be used for this operation.

[0081] The synchronization test may be implemented in a variety of ways.
For example, in some implementations the device 102 may compare the times
that the respective switches on the devices 102 and 104 are depressed,
the times that the respective switches on the devices 102 and 104 are
released, or both. In some implementations the synchronization test may
involve multiple actuations of the switches. For example, the user may
pick several random timings to simultaneously press and release the
buttons on each device. In this case, each device will generate a
sequence of times associated with the actuations of its switch. The
device 102 may then compare the timings of the sequences in an attempt to
determine whether the same person actuated the switches on the devices
102 and 104. In either of the above implementations, if the actuation
timings from the devices 102 and 104 are sufficiently similar, the
devices 102 and 104 may be associated with one another.

[0082] In some implementations comparison of actuation times may involve
comparison of a first indication representative of a time (or times) of
actuation of a user input device of one device (e.g., device 102) with a
second indication representative of a time (or times) of actuation of a
user input device of another device (e.g., device 104). For example, the
association processor 122 may acquire the first indication via a user
input device of device 102 and receive the second indication from the
device 104. The association processor 122 may then compare the two
indications to determine whether the actuation of the user input device
of the device 102 occurred substantially simultaneously with the
actuation of the user input device of the device 104.

[0083] Although block 212 follows block 210 in the example of FIG. 2,
these operations are not necessarily performed in the illustrated order.
For example, in some implementations the synchronization test may be
performed before the commencement of an association procedure (e.g., as a
prerequisite to commencing the association procedure). In addition, in
some implementations a synchronization test may serve as both a
prerequisite to an association procedure and form a part of an
association procedure.

[0084] As represented by block 214, in some implementations the
association procedure may involve authenticating the devices 102 and 104
with respect to one another. In general, authentication relates to
verifying an identity of another device. Through the use of an
authentication procedure, a device may verify that is authorized to
communicate with the other device and verify that a given set of
operations may be performed in conjunction with the other device. As an
example of the latter scenario, a given device may allow a requesting
device to access certain services provided by the device if the
requesting device has appropriate authorization. Such services may
include, for example, connection to a network, access to a pay-per-view
service, access to protected media such as data, audio, video, or some
combination thereof

[0085] Authentication may be performed in a variety of ways. In some
implementations an authentication procedure may involve sending security
credentials (e.g., passwords) and/or user biometric information from one
device to another. In a typical scenario, each device will authenticate
the other device. For example, the device 102 may authenticate the device
104 and the device 104 may authenticate the device 102. Thus, as
represented by block 310 of FIG. 3, the device 104 may perform operations
that are similar and/or complementary to the operations of block 214. In
this way, each device may send security credentials or other suitable
information to the other device and receive corresponding information
from the other device.

[0086] In view of the above, it should be appreciated that
association-related operations may be invoked, terminated, or affected by
any suitable distance-related characteristics of two or more devices. For
example, association operations may depend on an absolute distance
between devices, a defined pattern of distances between devices, a rate
of change in relative distance between devices, a relative acceleration
between devices, or some combination thereof. Thus, association may
depend (e.g., is invoked, terminated, affected, etc.) on whether a
measured parameter (e.g., distance, rate of change, or acceleration)
between devices is less than, greater than, or substantially similar to
(e.g., equal to) a threshold value (e.g., a corresponding defined
parameter), or is below, above, or within a range of such threshold
values.

[0087] Consequently, a diverse range of association functionality may be
provided in accordance with teachings herein. For example, an association
procedure may be initiated once an incoming device is close enough to an
existing device. Such an approach may prove advantageous in the event the
surrounding area includes a large number of devices associated with
various networks.

[0088] In some aspects a user may press a button to activate association
and may then use the motion of physically bringing a first device close
to and then away from the second device to associate the two devices.
This approach allows for an intuitive association method that may also
provide a mechanism for readily differentiating the associating devices
from other wireless devices in the same area.

[0089] In addition, if a user is using a device to wirelessly send a
password to a computer, then the computer could "select" the correct
device in the immediate vicinity based on which device is currently
stationary, in addition to other factors such as distance. Similarly if
the user walks up to a computer the computer may turn on or configure
itself in an appropriate manner. Further, if multiple users are near the
computer, the computer may configure itself based on the closest user, or
based on the closest user with the highest priority. In contrast, if the
user walks past the computer, the computer may more quickly go back to
sleep.

[0090] The use of distance-based techniques as taught herein may be
employed in conjunction with a variety of association-related operations
(e.g., pairing, authentication, etc.). For example, a point-of-sale
terminal may utilize a distance parameter and/or a rate of change in
relative distance parameter to identify a device to be used for a sales
transaction. Here, a rate of change in relative distance may be used to
measure a swiping action at the point-of-sale as a user moves one device
(e.g., a point-of-sale enabled cell phone) across a second device (the
point-of-sale terminal) to initiate a transaction. This technique may
provide an effective way to differentiate between other devices in the
surrounding area, and may provide a relatively simple user interface for
the transaction.

[0091] Association may be one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, or
many-to-many. For example, an audio device (e.g., an MP3 player) may
associate with several nearby headsets to enable the users of those
headsets to listen to the audio provided by the audio device. It should
be appreciated that the above examples are merely illustrative of a few
applications and that distance-based association may be employed in a
wide variety of applications.

[0092] As represented by block 216, presence management may be provided
based on one or more distances between devices. In some aspects this form
of presence management relates to the performance of certain operations
based on a location of a device with respect to another device and/or
motion of the device with respect to the other device. In some aspects
presence management also may be based on an identity of a device (e.g.,
the other device). For example, certain actions may be taken for certain
devices. Here a device may be identified by a unique address, an assigned
identifier, or in some other manner.

[0093] Presence management operations may, in some aspects, relate to
invoking presence management, determining whether certain operations are
to be performed in conjunction with presence management, and terminating
presence management. For example, a computer may present different user
interfaces depending upon which user is sitting in front of the computer.
To this end, the user may possess a device that enables the computer to
uniquely identify the user. Similarly, a presence management-enabled
device may be adapted to modify the characteristics of a room (e.g., the
lighting, the temperature, music being played, etc.) based on which
person or persons are in the room. In another example, the user interface
of a portable device (e.g., a cell phone) may be adapted to provide
remote control functionality when the portable device is close to a
stereo, a television, or some other device that may be controlled. These
are but a few examples of presence management. It should be understood
that presence management encompasses many other scenarios and operations.

[0094] In some implementations, presence management functionality may be
employed independently of the association-related functionality discussed
above. For example, distance-based presence management as taught herein
may be employed in a device that utilizes an association procedure or in
a device that does not utilize an association procedure. In the former
case, distance-based presence management as taught herein may be employed
in a device where the association is not distance-based. Also, a device
employing distance-based association as taught herein may or may not
provide presence management functionality.

[0095] Referring to the example of FIG. 2, operations similar to the
operations of blocks 202, 204, 206, 208, and 212 may be performed in
conjunction with presence management. For example, a decision as to
whether to invoke or terminate presence management may be based on the
result of (e.g., the indication generated from) the comparison operations
of block 208 and/or the synchronization operations of block 212. Thus,
presence management may be automatically invoked if the devices are
within a given distance of one another (e.g., 3 meters) and/or are moved
in a certain manner with respect to one another. Similarly, one or more
of the operations performed during presence management may be based on
the results of the comparison of block 208.

[0096] In a similar manner as discussed above for association, although
block 216 follows blocks 204 through 208 in the example of FIG. 2, these
operations are not necessarily performed in the illustrated order. For
example, in some implementations the distance determining operations may
be performed after the commencement of a presence management procedure.
Thus, one or more distance-related functions as taught herein may be
invoked as part of a presence management procedure. In addition, in some
implementations distance determining operations may serve as both a
prerequisite to a presence management procedure and form a part of a
presence management procedure.

[0097] Presence management may involve operations performed by the device
102 as well as, in some circumstances, operations performed by the device
104. Accordingly, as represented by block 312 of FIG. 3, the device 104
may perform operations that are similar and/or complementary to the
operations of blocks 216.

[0098] In some aspects a device (e.g., the device 102, the device 104, or
both) may be configured based on a distance-related indication. Such
configuration may include, in some aspects, one or more of configuring an
output of a user interface, invoking a function, adapting operations, and
providing access to functionality. In some aspects the configuration may
be based on the identity of another device. For example, the device 102
may be configured based on the identity of the device 104, or vice versa.
In some aspects a device may transmit information to or receive
information from another device, wherein the information is based on the
indication. As an example, such information may be generated, selected,
or modified depending upon the indication.

[0099] In a typical implementation presence management may be employed in
the device 102 to affect the operation of the device 102 if the device
102 is brought within a specified range of device 104 and/or is moved in
an appropriate manner with respect to device 104. In one sample use case
presence management may configure the device 102 to provide remote
control functionality capable of controlling the device 104. In
conjunction with this reconfiguration, the device 102 may present a
different interface to the user by, for example, modifying a display of
the display screen and modifying the functionality of one or more input
devices (e.g., buttons or soft keys) of the device 102. In addition, the
device 102 may be enabled to send uniquely configured information (e.g.,
remote control instructions, etc.) to the device 104.

[0100] As a device 102 is brought within a specified range of device 104
and/or is moved in an appropriate manner with respect to the device 104,
presence management also may be employed in the device 104 to affect its
operation. Continuing with the sample use case mentioned above, the
device 104 may now enable the device 102 (e.g., and no other devices) to
control selected functionality of the device 104 or of one or more other
devices if distance-based conditions, and optionally device identity
conditions, are met. For example, the device 104 may present a unique
interface to the user of device 102 by modifying the display on the
display screen of the device 104 or another device (e.g., a television or
a television receiver). In some aspects the device 104 may provide
presence management for the device 102 based on the indication by, for
example, facilitating configuration of the device 102. To this end, the
device 104 may send appropriate messages to the device 102 that
facilitate configuration of the device 102 (e.g., as discussed above). In
a typical example, configuration of the device 102 may include modifying
the output of the user interface of the device 102.

[0101] In another sample use case, a given device such as device 104 may
allow access to certain of its functionality depending on the identity of
another device and depending on at least one distance between the
devices. In the example of FIG. 1, if the identity and distance-based
conditions are met, the device 104 may provide uniquely configured
information to the device 102. For example, the presence management
functionality enabled on the device 104 may provide access to a service
such as network connectivity or pay-for-use media such as data, audio,
and video. It should be appreciated that the presence management
functionality enabled on the device 104 may take various other forms

[0102] Presence management operations may be invoked, terminated, or
affected by any suitable distance-related characteristics of two or more
devices. For example, presence management operations may depend on an
absolute distance between devices, a defined pattern of distances between
devices, a rate of change in relative distance between devices, a
relative acceleration between devices, or some combination thereof. Thus,
presence management may depend (e.g., is invoked, terminated, affected,
etc.) on whether a measured parameter (e.g., distance, rate of change, or
acceleration) between devices is less than, greater than, or
substantially similar to (e.g., equal to) a threshold value (e.g., a
corresponding defined parameter), or is below, above, or within a range
of such threshold values.

[0103] Consequently, a diverse range of presence management functionality
may be provided in accordance with teachings herein. For example, if a
user runs into a room with a presence-management enabled device then sits
on the couch, a presence-management-enabled television may turn on to
breaking news. Conversely, if the same user walks into the room and sits
on the couch, the television may turn on and play a recent recording of
the user's favorite program.

[0104] It should be appreciated that the components described herein may
take a variety of forms. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates that a wireless
device 500 (e.g., similar to the device 102 and/or the device 104) may
include in broad terms functionality relating to a user input device 502,
a communication device 504, a distance, motion, and acceleration
measuring circuit 506, and a position/motion detector 508.

[0105] The user input device 502 may comprise one or more of a variety of
components that enable a user to provide some form of input to the
wireless device 500. For example, the user input device 502 may comprise
one or more switches such as a pushbutton or a keypad. The user input
device 502 also may comprise a touch-screen, a touchpad, or other similar
input mechanism. The user input device 502 may comprise a pointing device
such as a mouse, trackball, an electronic pen, a pointing stick, etc. The
user input device 502 also may be adapted to receive non-mechanical forms
of input such as an audio (e.g., voice) input, an optical-based input, an
RF-based input, or some other suitable form of input. As discussed above,
the user input device 502 may be utilized by the user to initiate some
function in the wireless device such as facilitating authentication or
presence management. As an example of the latter case, the user input
device 502 may comprise the input device discussed above that is
activated at substantially the same time on both of the devices 102 and
104.

[0106] The communication device 504 may comprise various components that
facilitate communicating with another device. For example, as discussed
herein the communication device 504 may comprise a radio (e.g., the radio
110 and/or the radio 126) with associated transmitter and receiver
components 510 and 512, respectively, that include various components
(e.g., signal generators and signal processors) that facilitate
communication over a wireless medium.

[0107] The communication device 504 may employ a variety of wireless
physical layer schemes. For example, the physical layer may utilize some
form of CDMA, TDMA, OFDM, OFDMA, or other modulation and multiplexing
schemes.

[0108] In some aspects the communication device 504 may communicate via a
pulsed-based physical layer. In some aspects the physical layer may
utilize ultra-wideband pulses that have a relatively short length (e.g.,
on the order of a few nanoseconds) and a relatively wide bandwidth. In
some aspects an ultra-wide band system may be defined as a system having
a fractional bandwidth on the order of approximately 20% or more and/or
having a bandwidth on the order of approximately 500 MHz or more.

[0109] The circuit 506 may comprise one or more of a variety of components
adapted to measure one or more of distance, motion, and acceleration. As
discussed above, various techniques may be employed to measure distance
including, for example, two-way ranging, interrogations/response signals,
received power measurements, acceleration readings, digital or analog
imaging, detecting changes in electrical and magnetic fields, and
detecting a Doppler shift in signals. Accordingly, the circuit 506 may
employ corresponding circuitry (e.g., RF circuitry, optics,
accelerometers, signal strength sensors, electrical and magnetic fields
sensors, or Doppler shift sensors) to measure distance using one or more
these techniques. In a specific example, an optical device such as a
video device may employ video processing to compute the rate of change in
relative distance based on frame differences and similarities. In another
example, the rate of change in relative distance may be determined by
identifying a rate of change in the relative orientation of electrical
and magnetic fields. Also, in some applications an accelerometer may be
used to obtain a measurement of distance, velocity, or acceleration.

[0110] In some implementations, one or more of the components of the
circuit 506 may be implemented in the wireless communication device 504.
For example, an implementation that determines distance by calculating
the round-trip time of RF signals may utilize the transmitter and
receiver components of a radio to transmit and receive ranging signals
(e.g., ultra-wideband pulses) or other signals that are used to calculate
a round-trip time.

[0111] In some implementations a position and/or motion detector 508 may
be employed to determine one or more distance-related parameters
associated with two or more devices. For example, through the use of an
accelerometer in one or more of the devices, the rate of change in
relative distance between two devices may be more easily obtained or
determined with greater accuracy. In some implementations one or more of
the components the position/motion detector 508 may be implemented in the
circuit 506.

[0112] The teachings herein may be incorporated into (e.g., implemented
within or performed by) a variety of devices. For example, one or more
aspects taught herein may be incorporated into a phone (e.g., a cellular
phone), a personal data assistant ("PDA"), an entertainment device (e.g.,
a music or video device), a headset (e.g., headphones, an earpiece,
etc.), a microphone, a medical device (e.g., a biometric sensor, a heart
rate monitor, a pedometer, an EKG device, etc.), a user I/O device (e.g.,
a watch, a remote control, a light switch, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.), a
tire pressure monitor, a computer, a point-of-sale device, an
entertainment device, a hearing aid, a set-top box, or any other suitable
device. Moreover, these devices may have different power and data
requirements. In some aspects, the teachings herein may be adapted for
use in low power applications (e.g., through the use of a pulse-based
signaling scheme and low duty cycle modes) and may support a variety of
data rates including relatively high data rates (e.g., through the use of
high-bandwidth pulses).

[0113] The teachings herein may be incorporated into a device employing
various components for communicating with at least one other device. FIG.
6 depicts several sample components that may be employed to facilitate
communication between devices. Here, a first device (e.g., an access
terminal) 602 and a second device (e.g., an access point) 604 are adapted
to communicate via a communication link 606 over a suitable medium.

[0114] Initially, components involved in sending information from the
device 602 to the device 604 (e.g., a reverse link) will be treated. A
transmit ("TX") data processor 608 receives traffic data (e.g., data
packets) from a data buffer 610 or some other suitable component. The
transmit data processor 608 processes (e.g., encodes, interleaves, and
symbol maps) each data packet based on a selected coding and modulation
scheme, and provides data symbols. In general, a data symbol is a
modulation symbol for data, and a pilot symbol is a modulation symbol for
a pilot (which is known a priori). A modulator 612 receives the data
symbols, pilot symbols, and possibly signaling for the reverse link, and
performs modulation (e.g., OFDM or some other suitable modulation) and/or
other processing as specified by the system, and provides a stream of
output chips. A transmitter ("TMTR") 614 processes (e.g., converts to
analog, filters, amplifies, and frequency upconverts) the output chip
stream and generates a modulated signal, which is then transmitted from
an antenna 616.

[0115] The modulated signals transmitted by the device 602 (along with
signals from other devices in communication with the device 604) are
received by an antenna 618 of the device 604. A receiver ("RCVR") 620
processes (e.g., conditions and digitizes) the received signal from the
antenna 618 and provides received samples. A demodulator ("DEMOD") 622
processes (e.g., demodulates and detects) the received samples and
provides detected data symbols, which may be a noisy estimate of the data
symbols transmitted to the device 604 by the other device(s). A receive
("RX") data processor 624 processes (e.g., symbol demaps, deinterleaves,
and decodes) the detected data symbols and provides decoded data
associated with each transmitting device (e.g., device 602).

[0116] Components involved in sending information from the device 604 to
the device 602 (e.g., a forward link) will be now be treated. At the
device 604, traffic data is processed by a transmit ("TX") data processor
626 to generate data symbols. A modulator 628 receives the data symbols,
pilot symbols, and signaling for the forward link, performs modulation
(e.g., OFDM or some other suitable modulation) and/or other pertinent
processing, and provides an output chip stream, which is further
conditioned by a transmitter ("TMTR") 630 and transmitted from the
antenna 618. In some implementations signaling for the forward link may
include power control commands and other information (e.g., relating to a
communication channel) generated by a controller 632 for all devices
(e.g. terminals) transmitting on the reverse link to the device 604.

[0117] At the device 602, the modulated signal transmitted by the device
604 is received by the antenna 616, conditioned and digitized by a
receiver ("RCVR") 634, and processed by a demodulator ("DEMOD") 636 to
obtain detected data symbols. A receive ("RX") data processor 638
processes the detected data symbols and provides decoded data for the
device 602 and the forward link signaling. A controller 640 receives
power control commands and other information to control data transmission
and to control transmit power on the reverse link to the device 604.

[0118] The controllers 640 and 632 direct various operations of the device
602 and the device 604, respectively. For example, a controller may
determine an appropriate filter, reporting information about the filter,
and decode information using a filter. Data memories 642 and 644 may
store program codes and data used by the controllers 640 and 632,
respectively.

[0119] FIG. 6 also illustrates that the communication components may
include one or more components that perform ranging-related operations as
taught herein. For example, a ranging control component 646 may cooperate
with the controller 640 and/or other components of the device 602 to send
and receive ranging-related signals and information to another device
(e.g., device 604). Similarly, a ranging control component 648 may
cooperate with the controller 632 and/or other components of the device
604 to send and receive ranging-related signals and information to
another device (e.g., device 602).

[0120] The components described herein may be implemented in a variety of
ways. Referring to FIG. 7, an apparatus 700 is represented as a series of
interrelated functional blocks that may represent functions implemented
by, for example a processor, software, some combination thereof, or in
some other manner as taught herein.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 700 may include one or more
modules 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, 722, and 724
that may perform one or more of the functions described above with regard
to various figures. For example, a processor for inputting 702 may
facilitate user input and may correspond to, for example, component 502
discussed above. A processor for generating an indication 704 may
generate one or more indications as taught herein and may correspond to,
for example, component 112 and/or component 138 discussed above. A
processor for associating 706 may provide various functionality relating
to association as taught herein and may correspond to, for example,
component 120 and/or component 130 discussed above. A processor for
authenticating 708 may provide various functionality relating to
authentication as taught herein and may correspond to, for example,
component 122 and/or component 132 discussed above. A processor for
providing presence management 710 may provide various functionality
relating to presence management as taught herein and may correspond to,
for example, component 124 and/or component 134 discussed above. A
processor for comparing 712 may provide various functionality relating to
comparing distance-based information as taught herein and may correspond
to, for example, component 114 discussed above. A processor for using a
time-of-arrival measurement 714 may provide various functionality
relating to time-of-arrival measurements as taught herein and may
correspond to, for example, component 108 and/or component 136 discussed
above. A processor for measuring 716 may provide various functionality
relating to measuring distance as taught herein and may correspond to,
for example, component 108 and/or component 136 discussed above. A
processor for communicating 718 may provide various functionality
relating to communicating with another device as taught herein and may
correspond to, for example, component 504 discussed above. A processor
for transmitting 720 may provide various functionality relating to
transmitting information to another device as taught herein and may
correspond to, for example, component 510 discussed above. A processor
for receiving 722 may provide various functionality relating to receiving
information from another device as taught herein and may correspond to,
for example, component 512 discussed above. A processor for using
ultra-wideband pulses may provide various functionality relating to
determining distance using ultra-wideband pulses as taught herein and may
correspond to, for example, component 108 and/or component 110 discussed
above.

[0122] As noted above, FIG. 7 illustrates that in some aspects these
components may be implemented via appropriate processor components. These
processor components may in some aspects be implemented, at least in
part, using structure as taught herein. In some aspects a processor may
be adapted to implement a portion or all of the functionality of one or
more of these components. In some aspects one or more of the components
represented by dashed boxes are optional.

[0123] In some aspects the apparatus 700 may comprise an integrated
circuit. Thus, the integrated circuit may comprise one or more processors
that provide the functionality of the processor components illustrated in
FIG. 7. For example, in some aspects a single processor may implement the
functionality of the illustrated processor components, while in other
aspects more than one processor may implement the functionality of the
illustrated processor components. In addition, in some aspects the
integrated circuit may comprise other types of components that implement
some or all of the functionality of the illustrated processor components.

[0124] In addition, the components and functions represented by FIG. 7, as
well as other components and functions described herein, may be
implemented using any suitable means. Such means also may be implemented,
at least in part, using corresponding structure as taught herein. For
example, in some aspects means for inputting may comprise a user input
device, means for generating an indication may comprise an indication
generator, means for associating may comprise an association processor,
means for authenticating may comprise an authentication processor, means
for providing presence management may comprise a presence management
processor, means for comparing may comprise a comparator, means for using
a time-of-arrival measurement may comprise a distance determiner, means
for measuring may comprise a distance determiner, means for communicating
may comprise a radio, means for transmitting may comprise a transmitter,
means for receiving may comprise a receiver, and means for using
ultra-wideband pulses may comprise a radio. One or more of such means
also may be implemented in accordance with one or more of the processor
components of FIG. 7.

[0125] Those of skill in the art would understand that information and
signals may be represented using any of a variety of different
technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands,
information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced
throughout the above description may be represented by voltages,
currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical
fields or particles, or any combination thereof

[0126] Those of skill would further appreciate that any of the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits, and
algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein
may be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a digital
implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination of the two,
which may be designed using source coding or some other technique),
various forms of program or design code incorporating instructions (which
may be referred to herein, for convenience, as "software" or a "software
module"), or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this
interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative
components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described
above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such
functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the
particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall
system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in
varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation
decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope
of the present disclosure.

[0127] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits
described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be
implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit ("IC"), an
access terminal, or an access point. The IC may comprise a general
purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor
logic, discrete hardware components, electrical components, optical
components, mechanical components, or any combination thereof designed to
perform the functions described herein, and may execute codes or
instructions that reside within the IC, outside of the IC, or both. A
general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as
a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a
microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more
microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such
configuration.

[0128] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in
any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach. Based upon
design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy
of steps in the processes may be rearranged while remaining within the
scope of the present disclosure. The accompanying method claims present
elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be
limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0129] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the
aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a
software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.
A software module (e.g., including executable instructions and related
data) and other data may reside in a data memory such as RAM memory,
flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard
disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable
storage medium known in the art. A sample storage medium may be coupled
to a machine such as, for example, a computer/processor (which may be
referred to herein, for convenience, as a "processor") such the processor
can read information (e.g., code) from and write information to the
storage medium. A sample storage medium may be integral to the processor.
The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may
reside in user equipment. In the alternative, the processor and the
storage medium may reside as discrete components in user equipment.
Moreover, in some aspects any suitable computer-program product may
comprise a computer-readable medium comprising codes (e.g., executable by
at least one computer) relating to one or more of the aspects of the
disclosure. In some aspects a computer program product may comprise
packaging materials.

[0130] The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to
enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present
disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined
herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope
of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be
limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest
scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Patent applications by Chong Uk Lee, Cupertino, CA US

Patent applications by David Jonathan Julian, San Diego, CA US

Patent applications by Gregory Gordon Rose, San Diego, CA US

Patent applications by Lu Xiao, San Diego, CA US

Patent applications by Manuel Eduardo Jaime, Solana Beach, CA US

Patent applications by Robert Keith Douglas, San Diego, CA US

Patent applications in class Privacy, lock-out, or authentication

Patent applications in all subclasses Privacy, lock-out, or authentication